Charm and Affection

Our campus was alive with energy. The annual Intramurals was just around the corner, and everyone—from junior to senior high—was caught up in the excitement. The school grounds buzzed with preparations: banners were being painted, music blared from rehearsals, and students dashed around in jerseys or dance costumes.

This wasn’t just any school event—it was the biggest one of the year. Every section had something to offer. There were competitions in singing and dancing, basketball, volleyball, badminton, and track and field events like high jump and sprinting. There was also the much-anticipated search for Mr. and Ms. Intramurals, which always turned heads. And of course, cheer dancing, one of the highlights everyone looked forward to.

Before the main event began, our teacher gave our class a special project—to create an album using indigenous materials. It was meant to be a keepsake that captured the spirit of the Intramurals, complete with photos, student reflections, and snippets of the week’s most memorable moments. We had to get quotes from students across different grade levels, so interviews were part of the task.

The event usually lasted for a full week, with a few days dedicated just to preparations. Students from all grade levels were assigned to mixed teams, which meant I’d be working alongside younger and older students alike. It was meant to build camaraderie, but for some of us, it came with a bit of awkwardness too.

As usual, I signed up for multiple events—cheer dancing, the quiz bee, poster making, and slogan writing. I liked staying busy, and these activities gave me an outlet to express myself. I was in 3rd-year high school, while my sister was in 4th-year. We often crossed paths during school events, which made things a bit more fun.

“Reign! Are you done with your interviews from the other sections yet?” my classmate Vin asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.

“Hmm... not yet. I still have to interview some students from the 4th-year section,” I said, adjusting the folder I was holding.

“Are you... shy too?” she teased, giggling as she nudged me.

“Shy? A little,” I admitted. “It’s easier to approach the lower years, you know? Less intimidating.”

Vin smiled slyly, then glanced away dreamily. “Well, that’s not my problem,” she said. “You know I’ve had a crush on someone from that section forever. Just seeing him makes my heart race.”

I laughed softly, but her words stirred something in me. There was someone in that same section I was trying to avoid. Someone I wasn’t sure how to face again—Jay.

After a few minutes of debating with myself, I mustered the courage and walked confidently toward their room. I peeked inside to make sure Jay wasn’t there—and to my relief, he wasn’t. I spotted Devy, my sister’s friend, chatting with my sister by the window.

“Hey, sis! Can you help me with something?” I asked.

My sister gave me a knowing look. “Is this about the interview thing you mentioned last night?” she said, nodding at the folder in my hand.

“Yeah,” I said. “Devy, can I interview you? I need your thoughts about the upcoming Intramurals for our album.”

“Sure, but let me see your project first,” Devy said, reaching for the folder.

I handed it to her, feeling proud of our work. My groupmates and I had worked hard to make it creative. The folder was covered with small bamboo pieces cut diagonally to form unique patterns. We’d protected the outside with plastic wrap, and the inside was filled with soft, multicolored cotton pieces shaped into clouds. Each member had a solo photo framed in a heart-shaped design, with personal information written below. It was more than just a project—it was a piece of our team’s identity.

“Wow, this is amazing!” Devy exclaimed. “You all really went above and beyond.”

“Thanks! My groupmates were super creative,” I said, smiling.

She started laughing at the way some students had described themselves, but before I could join in—

“Hey, Devy! What’s that?” a voice called from behind us.

I froze. My heart skipped a beat.

It was him—Jay.

Devy turned and waved him over. “It’s their project. Isn’t it cool? Here, take a look.”

Jay took the folder from her hands. I stood frozen, unsure if I should snatch it back or just vanish into thin air. My sister nudged me.

“Reign, you can interview Jay too,” she said casually.

“What kind of interview? Should I give an autograph too?” Jay joked, making everyone laugh.

I tried to hide my discomfort. I wasn’t sure if he remembered what happened between us months ago, but I decided to act like nothing had ever happened.

“Ahm... yeah, I’m gathering student thoughts about the Intramurals. Can I ask you a few questions?” I said, reaching for the folder.

Jay didn’t let go.

“Is this yours?” he asked, his eyes meeting mine.

“Y-yeah,” I said with a nervous smile.

“Can I look through it a bit longer? I didn’t get to finish browsing.”

“Okay...” I handed it back, unsure why I was feeling so flustered.

He flipped through the pages slowly, studying every detail. I started to wonder if something was wrong.

“Is there a problem with the content?” I asked.

“Not at all. This is you, right?” he said, pointing at my picture.

I nodded, only to realize too late how close I was standing. He looked at me and smiled.

“You look cute in this picture.”

I blinked, my heart skipping a beat. “Thanks,” I replied awkwardly.

“Hey!” Devy jumped in, pretending to be offended. “You say she’s cute but never say that to me? You’re breaking my heart!”

“Stop the drama,” Jay said, laughing.

“You’re so mean! Fine, I have another crush anyway,” she pouted.

Just then, I noticed my groupmates arriving outside.

“Ahm, I need to go now,” I said quickly. “Can I get the folder back?”

Jay held it behind his back playfully. “What if I don’t give it back?”

“Huh? But I really need—”

“Haha, just kidding! Here,” he said, handing it back with a grin. “Good luck with your interviews.”

I smiled, thanked him, and walked away slowly, the folder clutched to my chest. I felt light. Not nervous, not shy—just happy. Jay didn’t make me feel small. He treated me like a friend. That moment stayed with me, and I realized maybe I wasn’t as invisible to him as I thought.

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